In a realm where tradition often takes precedence over truth, it’s time to reevaluate some commonly held beliefs.
From questioning the importance of church attendance to reexamining the concept of tithing, we’re delving into commonly avoided territory.
So, lets reconsider our perspective as we challenge conventional wisdom and address some uncomfortable truths. What we thought we knew about Christianity could be in for a shake-up.
Unspoken Truths about Christianity No One Talks About
After 15 years of dedicated practice within the Christian faith, I’ve come to realize that there are many unspoken truths that often go overlooked or brushed aside. These truths challenge conventional beliefs and call into question some of the most deeply ingrained aspects of Christianity.
In this exploration, we’ll uncover truths that defy common perceptions and shed light on the complexities of our faith. From the insignificance of church denominations to the controversial stance on tithing, each revelation invites us to reconsider what we thought we knew about Christianity.
So, let’s begin by discussing church denominations.
1. Which church you attend does not matter.
Many Christians believe that the church you attend will determine the integrity of your character, or in extreme cases, whether or not you go to heaven or hell. Yes, some people do believe this!
John 10:28“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. “
However, the ultimate authority on whether this matters or not rests solely on teachings from the bible scriptures. Let’s take a look at a few.
Supporting Bible Verses
- Galatians 3:28-“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
- Hebrews 10:24,25-“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
- Romans 14:5-“One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.”
- Matthew 18:20-“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them”
In these Bible verses, it is clear that the church you attend does not determine your spiritual integrity or destiny.
As believers, we’re urged to see all fellow believers as part of one body, not to neglect gathering together, and to recognize that wherever a few gather in Jesus’ name, He is present.
With that being said, I am not dismissing the fact that there are certain churches that teach outlandish and even heretical things. However, this will not determine our destiny in eternity. God has you in the palm of His hand, and nothing is able to snatch you away from Him.
So, harboring contempt for other church denominations contradicts biblical commands. The Bible serves as our guide, and disregarding such truths can lead us astray.
2. Tithing is NOT a biblical requirement today.
From the outset I would like to ask, “What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” 1 Corinthians 4:7
1 Corinthians 10:25“The earth is the Lord’s and all it’s fullness”
All that we have belongs to God. If you’ve worked to attain something, don’t forget that God gave you breath in your lungs today. If He didn’t, you wouldn’t be able to work at all.
So that being said, assuming you’re a Christian, what are you BIBLICALLY required to do with your finances? In a nutshell, whatever you find in your heart to give is what’s required.
However, there is one condition. GIVE CHEERFULLY. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Here are some supporting bible verses about this topic.
Supporting Bible Verses
- 1 Corinthians 13:3-“And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.”
- 2 Corinthians 9:5-“be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation.”
- Romans 7:6-“But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.”
- Romans 4:13-“For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.”
The main reason tithing is not considered a requirement today is that it was part of the Old Testament law, and through Christ, we are no longer bound by that law. Just as animal sacrifices for sin were fulfilled and made new in Christ, the same applies to tithing.
I believe it’s important to support your local church, but don’t let anyone convince you that failing to tithe means you’re robbing God or being unfaithful.
In my view, being too rigid about tithing can sometimes lead to pride, which can foster unhealthy attitudes like judgmentalism, self-righteousness, or entitlement. Ultimately, our giving should come from a place of love, not obligation.
3. Worship has nothing to do with music.
Worshiping God is not limited to when the music plays. So, what exactly is worship? As Christians, whenever we face questions, our first response should be to turn to the Bible, which is our guidebook for life.
From what I’ve learned, worship begins in the heart, while praise is the outward expression of that worship. Singing songs and playing instruments are just ways to channel that inner worship. This includes lifting up hands and bowing in reverence to God.
Worship is a heart-driven sacrifice, while praise is the outward expression of that worship.
A great way to understand a word’s meaning in Scripture is through the “Law of First Mention,” which points to the first occurrence of the word in the Bible. In this case, the word “worship” first appears in Genesis 22:5. If you’ve read this passage, you’ll notice that worship is essentially about sacrifice. When we worship God, we are offering up something that we may not want to let go of.
True worship happens when we surrender our desires, choosing God’s will over our own. It involves dying to our flesh and walking in obedience to God’s way.
With this understanding, we see that worship is not about music or singing. Unfortunately, many have come to believe that worship is synonymous with music. However, music is actually an expression of praise.
By grasping the true nature of worship, we can free ourselves from the idea that it only takes place within the walls of a church. This perspective also helps us avoid creating divisions in our congregations—between those who merely “praise” and those who are “truly worshiping.” In reality, worship goes far beyond music; it’s a lifestyle of sacrifice and obedience to God.
Supporting Bible Verses
- Genesis 22:5-“And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.”
- John 4:22,23-“Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.”
- Isaiah 29:13-“Wherefore the Lord said, forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:”
- Hebrews 12:28,29-“Wherefore we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.”
4. The current church program is not mentioned in the Bible.
The Bible emphasizes that the church is a body of believers, not a building or a set of organized activities. The focus is on relationships, mutual support, and spiritual growth, rather than formal programs.
The Church is a people, not a program.
In the New Testament, the early church gathered in homes, shared meals, and encouraged one another.
Worship was more about the posture of the heart than a scheduled event, and spiritual growth happened through discipleship—walking alongside one another and living out Christ’s teachings together.
Programs, while useful, are not the core of what the church is meant to be. The true essence of the church is found in relationships, love, and the collective pursuit of spiritual maturity.
The church thrives when believers are united by love and support, rather than by formal structures.
Supporting Bible Verses
- Acts 2:42-“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
- John 13:34-“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
- Colossians 3:16-“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
- Ephesians 2:19-22-“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”
5. Sometimes the right answer isn’t just a biblical one.
This is where wisdom comes into play. While it’s important to know and understand biblical teachings, it’s equally important to recognize that quoting scripture isn’t always the best first response when someone is seeking help or guidance.
A heart that listens is often more healing than words that preach.
When a person comes to you with heavy questions or burdens, don’t rush to provide a “biblical prescription.” Even though Bible verses may have been a source of strength for you, they may not resonate with the person you’re helping in the same way.
Instead, focus on listening first. Give space for their feelings, their story, and their concerns. Sometimes, people just need to be heard. By showing empathy and care, you can offer support beyond simply reciting doctrine.
Here are a few points to consider when offering guidance:
- Empathy before advice: People are often more open to receiving spiritual guidance once they feel truly heard and understood.
- Discernment: It’s essential to assess whether the person is ready to hear scriptural answers or if they need more practical or emotional support at that moment.
- Timing matters: The right biblical answer may still be important, but knowing when to offer it is key. Offering encouragement, patience, and kindness can pave the way for spiritual conversations later on.
- Personal application varies: The verses that lifted you might not have the same impact on someone else. Their struggles and spiritual journey are unique.
In ministry, balancing truth with compassion is vital. It’s not just about knowing what’s right but also about understanding the right way to apply it.
Here are some bible verses that support this idea.
Supporting Bible Verses
- Proverbs 17:27,28-“He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”
- James 1:19-“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”
- Ecclesiastes 3:1-7-“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:….a time to keep silence and a time to speak”
- Proverbs 29:20-“Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.”
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, this is true. This is why we are to consider what we say carefully.
We are fallen creatures, and are prone to that fallen nature even after salvation.
These verses show that we are to be quick to hear, slow to speak and that there is an appointed time for every purpose of God under heaven.
6. The church building is not holy ground
People joke once in awhile, “If I go to church I will catch fire!”
Although this is a silly thought, many people get the idea that the physical church building or gathering space is somehow a hallowed, sacred ground that should not be disrespected.
Why we think this…
- Exodus 3:4,5-“And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.”
- Joshua 5:15-“ And the captain of the Lord’s host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.”
The idea that a church building is “holy ground” stems from a misunderstanding of biblical teaching. While churches are often treated with respect, the physical space is not what makes something sacred.
The Bible teaches that God’s presence dwells within believers, not buildings. The early Christians often met in homes, fields, and public spaces—anywhere they could gather as a community. What makes a place sacred is not the building, but the presence of God’s people and His Spirit among them.
Sacred spaces are made by God’s people, not buildings.
It’s important to remember that the true temple of God is the heart of the believer. The holiness of the church comes from the unity and devotion of its members, not the walls or structure in which they meet.
God’s presence is with His people wherever they gather, making the focus on our lives as “living temples,” rather than the building itself.
Lastly, the church service itself IS a hallowed meeting. With this mind we must show respect for the fact that the church meeting is the congregation of God’s people and therefore God’s presence, so these meetings must not to be treated in a disrespectful manner.
Supporting Bible Verses
- Acts 17:24-“God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;”
- John 4:21-23-“Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.”
- Matthew 18:20-“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
- 1 Peter 2:5-“ Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house”
Conclusion
In the journey to explore Christianity beyond tradition, this article sheds light on truths that challenge conventional teachings about the church, tithing, worship, and the role of believers.
It uncovers that one’s denomination doesn’t determine spiritual fate, tithing isn’t a strict biblical mandate today, and that true worship extends far beyond music, rooted instead in the heart’s commitment to God.
The church isn’t limited to a building but is instead the living body of believers, connected by shared faith, love, and support. Through empathetic listening and discerning wisdom, we honor one another’s unique spiritual paths, fostering compassion over mere doctrine.
In the end, our faith thrives not on rigid practices or labels but on a genuine connection with God and each other. Let this understanding inspire a deeper, more heartfelt approach to the Christian journey, encouraging each of us to walk in love, humility, and truth.
